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Communication Quote by George Orwell

“They carried on a curious intermittent conversation which flicked on and off like the beams of a lighthouse suddenly nipped into silence by the approach of a Party uniform or the proximity of a telescreen then taken up again minutes later in the middle of a sentence then abruptly cut short as they…” quote by George Orwell
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““They carried on a curious intermittent conversation which flicked on and off like the beams of a lighthouse suddenly nipped into silence by the approach of a Party uniform or the proximity of a telescreen then taken up again minutes later in the middle of a sentence then abruptly cut short as they parted at the agreed spot then continued almost without introduction on the following day.””

George Orwell

About This Quote

Source Novel: 1984 by George Orwell, 1949

The passage depicts how constant surveillance and political pressure disrupt personal communication, forcing conversations to be fragmented and cautious.

In simple terms: Surveillance breaks normal conversation.

Key Takeaway

Be aware of how monitoring affects dialogue.

Themes

surveillance political control communication fear control totalitarianism

Mood

anxious tense reflective

Type

observational literary

When to use this quote

  • workplace meetings
  • online chats
  • public protests
  • family gatherings
  • classroom discussions

Key Concepts

authoritarianism psychology social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does surveillance change the way you speak?
  • What strategies keep conversation natural under pressure?
A Different Perspective

Even brief pauses can erode trust and depth in relationships.

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